Storms are unpredictable. While today’s advanced weather prediction computers and software are accurate, weather can be “somewhat” predicted but not always. Meteorologists provide us with a general idea as to when storms can develop and issue weather watches and warnings to provide information to people so they can prepare for the situation. But why not go ahead and prepare for the storms before they develop?
When the Lights Go Out
Most of us take electricity for granted. But when power fails, we struggle to find the phone book to call the electric company to fix our power as soon as possible. Imagine how our great-grandparents felt when electricity was first introduced. For years, they lived without any electricity and now they have this magical, invisible power that supplies them light without the use of candles or lanterns.
But those days are in the past; we no longer have to rely on candlelight after dark. With all the power lines scattered up and down the streets, we have electricity to power our lights, fans, air/heat, televisions, computers, and Xbox360 games. But what do we do when the power does fail? With a few simple and cheap additions to your home, you can still have light and power if you are prepared.
- One of the most effective light sources to have available when the electricity is out is a good-old flashlight. Most flashlights are cheap, they take up very little space, and anyone can use them – just remember to keep the batteries charged.
- Consider installing battery powered emergency back-up lights in your home. Personally, I have two of these in my home. As soon as the electricity is out – they are on. These back-up lights install similar to standard home lights. Constant power is supplied to them and their built-in batteries hold a charge until they are needed. These will typically supply light for around 45 minutes.
Hurricane Storm Shutters
While most homes will not need storm shutters, those who have homes in areas that are subject to hurricanes or tornadoes should consider installing these. Storm shutters are developed to provide extra strength to windows against high winds and airborne debris during severe weather. Many types of storm shutters are available and some can be very expensive.
Storm shutters come in a variety of types and styles. Some of the newer storm shutters work very similar to roll-up garage doors. When a storm is approaching, the shutters can simply be “pulled down” to protect the window. This can be done from the inside of the home just in case the storm is near. Other types of storm shutters include the simple wood-style. These are more of a decorative shutter, but when needed, they can be closed to safely protect your windows and yourself from flying debris.
Strengthen the Home – Attic Bracing
Several things can be done to strengthen a home to allow it to be sturdier during strong winds. Those who have watched videos of homes being destroyed in storms will often notice that the roof is normally the first to go. If your home is already built, you can still strengthen up the roof system to allow a better defense against strong winds. A roof’s framing system is fairly simple. The attic/roof framing in the common home is designed to hold the weight of the roof – that’s it. Anyone who has even the slightest knowledge in building can add extra support to the roof framing. Simply add more braces – attach the braces from the roof to the ceiling framing. This will provide extra strength and support to your roof system.
If you are building a new home, consider doubling-up on your roof structures, wall structures, and use extra nails and screws in everything. Attaching hurricane clips to all of your ceiling joists and everywhere else where they fit will also add a lot of strength to the home. Also, set your roof trusses at 16” instead of 24”. This will not cost much more but will provide much more strength.
And finally, if you are using a contractor to build your home that you do not know personally – do not take his/her word for the work they are doing. It is your home, closely check on the work they are doing. Some (not all) contractors will take shortcuts to make a little more profit – only reducing the strength and quality of your home.
Find this article useful? Please read Fire Safety Practices – Preparing for and Surviving a Home Fire.
Steve Farmer - Steve Farmer Jr. is an individual of many interests and hobbies. When not spending time with his wife and four children, he is an employee ...
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